The holidays bring about many food traditions that people look forward to. Some traditional foods include cookies, candies, and sweets that so many look forward to. Many of these recipes seem very intimidating and daunting for the average home cook, but in reality, they are easier to create than people think. Remember that proper ingredients and techniques are things to think about when baking.
One of those treats for the holidays is buckeyes. Buckeyes are a blend of peanut butter and chocolate that go great together. They are round peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate.
According to the Ohio State football site, the term buckeyes was first used in the late 1700s and is a dark brown nut. A buckeye comes from the official state tree, the buckeye tree. The buckeye is the mascot of Ohio State and resembles the eye of a deer. Legend has it that if you carry one in your pocket, it will bring you good luck. It has distinctive coloring and is dark with a light tan top.
https://ohiostatebuckeyes.com/what-is-a-buckeye/
The key to making great buckeyes are the peanut butter middle and the chocolate dip. Use creamy peanut butter because it will make a consistent mixture that can be formed easier. For the chocolate mixture, you can melt the chocolate in a double boiler or put it in the microwave for 15 seconds at a time. I use butter to mix in with the chocolate but some use coconut oil or shortening. The key to melting chocolate is not to melt it completely but to let the residual heat melt the rest of the chocolate. If you heat it too long, it could scorch the chocolate or make it seize.
My favorite recipe for buckeyes is from John Kanell, from the website the preppy kitchen. I love following his site and he has some great recipes. I'm sure buckeyes will become a great addition to your holiday table as well.
https://preppykitchen.com/buckeyes/
Buckeyes:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 8 minutes
Servings: 24 buckeyes
Author: John Kanell
Equipment
- Mixer
- Bowl
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter smooth, 240g
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter 70g
- 2 cups powdered sugar 240g
- 1 tsp vanilla extract 5mL
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate 340g
- 2 tbsp coconut oil 30mL, optional
Instructions
- Cream the peanut butter and butter together with the vanilla extract.
- Add powdered sugar and mix on low until combined. Scrape down the bowl and mix again.
- Pinch off tablespoon-sized pieces and roll them into balls. About 20g if you're weighing.
- Transfer balls to a baking sheet and chill until firm. At least 20 minutes.
- Add chocolate and coconut oil to a medium bowl and melt on 50% power in the microwave. Stir to combine and set aside to cool to room temperature.
- Use a skewer or toothpick to dip the peanut butter balls into the chocolate. Leave a bit of the peanut butter exposed for that signature buckeye pea look.
- Chill to allow the chocolate to firm up and enjoy. If you want to remove the holes left from the skewers, run a small knife or spatula over the top
Notes
- These will keep in the fridge for up to two weeks but make sure they're covered.
- So important to scrape that bowl down after adding the powdered sugar. I forgot to once and to the top was super firm but the bottom of the bowl was VERY soft.
- Coconut oil helps thin the chocolate so it's easier to dip things but you can use shortening if that's what you have on hand.
- The butter can be reduced to a tablespoon for a firmer ball if desired.
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